DOVER-FOXCROFT – The rainy weather over the past few months has hindered construction of the new SAD 68 elementary school but it is expected work will be finished and the building ready for occupancy by Aug. 15.

Construction on the building is behind schedule about five weeks, Superintendent John Dirnbauer told SAD 68 directors Wednesday.

Dirnbauer said he has been assured that work will be speeded up once the building is enclosed by the first week in January.

“It continues to be an exciting prospect as people look forward to the opening of the new school,” Dirnbauer said Thursday.

The new school is being constructed next to SeDoMoCha Middle School where the two schools will share a breezeway. It will replace the Morton Avenue Elementary School, which when closed is expected to be offered to the town of Dover-Foxcroft.

The superintendent’s office building on Mayo Street will be moved to the new school and that building also may be offered to the town.

Since some renovation work is needed to SeDoMoCha Middle School as part of the new school construction project, the principal’s office, special education and the nurse’s office will be moved into the new building during April vacation, Dirnbauer said.

Also at this week’s meeting, the directors voted unanimously to re-elect Dirnbauer as superintendent of schools. His contract was extended by one year through June 30, 2009. His salary was set at $75,000, the same as last year.

Dirnbauer was, however, awarded a 4 percent increase in salary but at his request the increase in funds was placed in his retirement benefits.

Dirnbauer also noted negotiations will begin with Foxcroft Academy for the tuition of the district’s secondary students. This is the last year of a three-year contract that expires June 30, 2007.